She Strengthens

Rediscovering the Joy of Time

A Newfound Appreciation for Life’s Simple Pleasures

The pandemic brought about a seismic shift in how I allocated my time. Gone were the days of lengthy commutes, replaced by the luxury of working from home. This newfound flexibility allowed me to reevaluate my priorities and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment.

From Chaos to Serenity

Pre-pandemic, my days were a blur of activity. I’d spend my commute responding to messages, catching up with family, and worrying about service outages. Sundays were reserved for grocery shopping and meal prep, a task I dreaded due to the pressure of cooking, packing, and cleaning up in a shared kitchen. It was exhausting, and I blamed cooking for my stress.

A Love Affair with Cooking

Fast-forward to the pandemic, and I’ve fallen head over heels in love with cooking. I now relish the opportunity to cook a different meal each day, savoring every bite while watching TV or YouTube videos. The freedom to experiment with new ingredients and recipes has added richness and variety to my palate.

Unshackling My Weekend

With the commute eliminated, I’ve gained an extra day to unwind or spend time with friends on Sundays. I’ve started exploring my local surroundings, embarking on leisurely hikes that allow me to soak up the sun, wind, and scenery. No longer am I bound by time constraints, constantly checking my phone to ensure I’m on schedule.

A Lesson in Intentional Living

The pandemic has taught me to appreciate my time and question whether my previous habits truly served me. I’ve learned to prioritize self-reflection, asking myself if I’m happy with how I’m spending my time. As we transition back to a semi-normal life, I’m determined to maintain this mindset, ensuring that my “time budget” aligns with my values and desires.

Embracing a More Mindful Approach

Going forward, I plan to approach my time with intention, making room for activities that bring me joy, like cooking and hiking. I’ll be more discerning about the social events I attend, recognizing that endless me-time has its perks. By doing so, I hope to strike a better balance between work, play, and personal growth.